Geology, Master of Science Degree

Overview

Students may enter either a major or major-minor program in geology, choosing an appropriate course of study for their academic or career goals. Graduate students conduct research within the department and/or in association with the Center for Neotectonic Studies, the Ralph J. Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology, the Arthur Brant Laboratory for Exploration Geophysics, the Desert Research Institute, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, the Seismological Laboratory, and the United States Geological Survey-Reno Field Office.

Field Study Opportunities

More Information

Program Contact Info

Both regional and international research programs are available. Field-related studies and research are among the strengths of our programs. The University of Nevada, Reno is located near the boundary between the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada physiographic provinces, and is near many world-class localities for field studies, ranging from glaciated high country to high desert environments. Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, Great Basin, and Lassen Volcanic national parks are all within easy reach of Reno. We have state-of-the-art field instrumentation for geologic, seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, and rock properties studies. We also have one of the world's largest digitally recorded seismic networks.

Requirements

Both the master of science and Ph.D. degrees require 1 credit of comprehensive examination. The master's degree is 31 credit and the Ph.D. degree is 73 credits. The comprehensive examination credit may not be used to satisfy the 18 credits of 700-level course work at the master's level or the 30 credits of 700-level course work at the doctoral level.

Co-Op Programs

A cooperative program in quaternary sciences exists with the collaboration of faculty in the Quaternary Sciences Center, Desert Research Institute. Both regional and international research programs are available. Field-related studies and research are among the strengths of our programs. The University of Nevada, Reno is located near the boundary between the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada physiographic provinces, and is near many world-class localities for field studies, ranging from glaciated high country to high desert environments. Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, Great Basin, and Lassen Volcanic national parks are all within easy reach of Reno.

Cutting Edge

We have state-of-the-art field instrumentation for geologic, seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, and rock properties studies. We also have one of the world's largest digitally recorded seismic networks.

Both the master of science and Ph.D. degrees require 1 credit of comprehensive examination. The master's degree is 31 credit and the Ph.D. degree is 73 credits. The comprehensive examination credit may not be used to satisfy the 18 credits of 700-level course work at the master's level or the 30 credits of 700-level course work at the doctoral level.